Women and Drug Abuse

One of the biggest misconceptions about drug addiction is that it is more common among men than women. In reality, however, women are just as likely to struggle with addiction. Like any disease, addiction doesn’t discriminate based on sex or gender. While there are different reasons why people may be at risk of developing an addiction, it is something that requires we remove our biases to treat them properly. Women and drug abuse can’t be ignored. Fortunately, there are plenty of recovery options available. Explore how drug abuse can become a problem for women and how women can overcome addiction once and for all. Beaches Recovery offers gender-specific treatment to help women get the focused treatment they need to address their issues.

Women Tend to Progress to Addiction Faster

Everyone, regardless of sex or gender, is vulnerable to the risks of drug abuse and addiction. People from all walks of life can use drugs, struggle with dependency issues, and ultimately develop an addiction. Women, however, are more likely to move from abuse to addiction in less time than men.

There isn’t a clear reason explaining why this happens. It may be because of hormonal or biological reasons, though this is unlikely and often an assertion based on sexual bias. Women face unique cultural pressures that make admitting to addiction a challenge. Also, women often deal with different stressors than men, meaning they will need a treatment plan that incorporates addressing those.

Women Face Unique Challenges and Stressors

It is important to recognize that women face unique challenges in virtually every aspect of life, and drug addiction and recovery are no exception. Women are more likely to be caught in abusive relationships, which increases the risk of turning to drugs or alcohol as a means of coping. They are also more likely to be victims of sexual harassment or assault. Many women also report that they feel overwhelmed with their daily lives but don’t know where to turn.

For all of these reasons, drug abuse can be tempting. Using drugs can feel like a temporary escape or a way to overcome incredible stress. If you notice any of these issues in your own life or in the lives of women you care about, then reaching out and offering help could prevent drug addiction in the future.

Women May Be Less Likely to Seek Out Help

Another issue that women encounter is a reluctance to get professional help. It can be challenging to admit that there is a drug abuse disorder at all. Even if a woman can admit to an addiction, she may not want to leave home and get professional treatment. For many women, taking time away from their work or family responsibilities simple isn’t realistic. The burden of childcare falls disproportionally upon women making it difficult for them to find the time they need to focus on addiction treatment. Similarly, women are excluded from health care coverage because domestic work is not considered worth covering by insurance.

That’s why it is so important to help women see the value in addiction treatment. Focusing on yourself isn’t easy, but it may be necessary to end a drug abuse disorder fully.